My relationship with Guruji spanned almost thirty years, beginning when I was a young dancer discovering the world of Kathak. What started as the relationship between teacher and student gradually evolved into something far richer. Over the years he became my Guru, mentor, choreographer, performing partner, friend and guide. The lessons he gave me extended far beyond dance. They shaped the way I think, create, lead and live.
Guruji often affectionately called me his “monster” because, as he would say with a smile, I wanted to absorb everything. I was like a sponge, endlessly curious, always asking questions and wanting to learn more. For many years we worked together in intensive one-to-one sessions, often spending three full days together every few weeks, from morning until evening. Those hours were never simply about learning movement. They were about understanding Kathak in its deepest sense: its rhythm, poetry, music, storytelling, philosophy and responsibility. Guruji never taught steps in isolation; he taught a way of seeing the art form.
One of his greatest gifts was his generosity. Knowledge was never something to be guarded. He would often say to me, “Take it all. Take the Kathak knowledge and learning.” Those words carried enormous trust. He believed that the role of a Guru was to pass on everything they could, and that philosophy has stayed with me throughout my own career as an artist, teacher and collaborator.
What made Guruji truly exceptional was the completeness of his artistry. He possessed extraordinary command of rhythm and musicality, breathtaking technical brilliance, profound expressive depth and an innate gift for storytelling and choreography. To witness him perform was to see every aspect of Kathak working in harmony. Even in his later years, he remained a powerhouse of creativity, energy and inspiration. His love for dance never diminished.
